One of the big traditions with New Year's is to write resolutions. These goals are help make the new year even better than the old year. We asked the Inkspell authors what their resolutions are. Here's their responses. What are your New Year's Resolutions? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Rebecca Hart:
Being a big procrastinator, I have never been much for making resolutions. Mostly because I generally forget about them or try to ignore the fact that I made them within days of doing so. But, 2013 is a new year, so why not give it a go, right?
So this year, my resolutions are these:
1. Complete two novels and have ready for query at some point during the year.
2. Get on the new treadmill we got for Christmas at least twice a week. (this one is so not going to happen, but adding it makes me look good)
3. Set aside at least one hour each week for undivided "kid time" with my youngest daughter, Shelby.
4. DO NOT GET A NEW DOG THIS YEAR NO MATTER HOW CUTE THEY ARE.
That's it for me. Simple is better to my way of thinking, and I figure if I keep them small and manageable, I have a much better shot at keeping them.
Happy New Year, everyone :)
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Aubrie Dionne:
Both of my New Year's resolutions are writing related for 2013. I'm going to check my Amazon book ranks less- trying for once a month instead of three times a day! (What a time suck that is!) And, I'm not going to read my reviews. The bad ones just bring me down, and then it takes a whole day to get the courage back up to write again. Like last year, I'm vowing to write 1k a day everyday, so I end of with 365K at the end of the year. This past year I made it to 316,090. Almost. But in 2013, I'll make it to 365!
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Lisa Voisin:
I believe in the power of intention and goal setting, and around the end of the old year, I review my year and assess where I am at, so I can chart my course for the future.
To that end, here are my intentions for 2013:
- to be physically active, and to that end, I plan to run another 10KM run. I did this in 2012, and was quite successful.
- to finish writing books two and three of The Watcher trilogy and see them through to publication.
- to make more time for myself in my meditation practice, for everything flows better from there.
- and on a personal note, to endeavor to not take things personally, remembering that other people's opinions of me are not only none of my business, but also reflections of their own world.
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Deb Peterson:
I prefer to think of them as "goals' rather than "resolutions," because as everyone knows, resolutions are only made to be broken and goals are made to be reached... ;)
So with that in mind, my top priority goals for this year are to complete all three of my works in progress, become an expert in marketing...(I hate marketing, so anyone want to help me out with that one?) and spend far more time with my beloved family!
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Stephanie Lawton:
Other than the ever-repeating resolution to lose weight (ugh), I'm going to make it a point to write some edgy stuff in different genres under my pen name. I love YA and romance, but I'm craving the freedom to push the envelop into erotica, horror, fetish, etc.
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T. Michelle Nelson:
I resolve to try even more new things, prove to myself that age is only a number and get into the best shape of my life. To motivate myself to do this, I am signing up to participate in Tough Mudder, a 10-12 mile endurance event with obstacles designed by British Special Forces. Most participants undoubtedly, will be younger and in better shape than me, but I fully intend on crossing that finish line. My mother has always told me there is nothing I couldn't accomplish once I set my mind to it, although I seriously doubt she meant anything like this.
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Majanka Verstraete:
Here are my resolutions for the New Year:
1) Write six new novels this year. I wrote four last year, so I'm trying to bring that number up.
2) Make a list of weekly goals and a list of monthly goals and stick to them.
3) Read and review 150 books (I reached this number last year and I hope I can do it again!)
4) Go on a trip out of the country.
5) Exercise regularly (which means, at least three days a week)
6) Finish last year of university and get my degree.
7) Get my driver's license! It would be about time.
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Brooke Moss:
This year my resolution is to put work on the back burner, and focus on my family as much as possible. Don't worry, I'll still be writing fun stories for my delightful readers to enjoy, but with five children and a wonderful hubby--as well as the horrific acts in Connecticut this past December--my priorities have shifted. I am so richly blessed with a gorgeous family, and I need to seize each day knowing that it could be taken away at any time. Happy New Year, InkSpell readers!
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Kristy Centeno:
My new year’s resolution list:
1- Finish the MS I have started.
2- Find a bigger house to move into.
3- Focus a little more on life outside of work.
4- Go to Disney with the kids.
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Stephanie Keyes:
I love making New Year's resolutions. A clean slate and a fresh start for a brand new year! I have a short list for 2013 that consists of the following:
-Release The Fallen Stars
-Edit and Release The Star Catcher
-Write a brand-new Paranormal Romance!
-Continue to spend more time with my family
-Continue with my workout regime
Happy New Year Inkspell readers!
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Naya Nikki:
My new years resolutions are:
1) Get a 2:1 in my 2nd year at university
2) Do a good deed everyday
3) Get experience in publishing/editorial work so I can pursue it as a career
Share your resolutions? Do you have any in common with our authors?
Happy New Year Inkspell readers. We wish you all the best in 2013!
Recently there has been a big discussion about book covers around the water cooler. In the past, the bodice rippers were often hidden because of the indecency of the characters on the cover. Today covers have come under fire not because of the content but whether or not the people had heads or if they were just torsos. There are many different blogs where people vote on the cover that they like best. Inkspell decided to ask our authors for their take on the Cover Wars. We want to know what they like in a cover and what they don't like.  Brooke Moss:
I think that a good book cover design is pivotal to the success of a book! I enjoy books that are decorated with colorful, whimsical, and intricate designs; and I like for them to be a clear expression of what the content of the book is. I despise the books that have computer generated people on them. I think real models are always best. And fun, creative fonts are a must. When I saw the cover for my book, The Carny, I almost fell out of my chair. It was so, incredibly gorgeous...and it so very clearly represented what was inside the book--it was perfect. I think that authors should always be allowed to have a say in their covers, and that book covers should always bring out the very best in that author's story. Anyone who says a cover doesn't matter is lying. It is the first impression a reader has of your work, and can either make or break your chances at sharing your story with that reader.
Mark Harris:
You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but you can't escape the allure of a really intriguing book cover either. I think the more mysterious the cover the better. The more it piques intrigue the more likely one is to wonder what it is about and pick it up and read the back cover. Of course it depends on the genre. Romance books aren't going to necessarily want to go in that direction. Mystery, thrillers, paranormal, YA, on the other hand want to make people ask themselves, "What exactly is that book all about?" "Why is that on the cover?" "What does that picture represent?"
Kristy Centeno:
Book Covers by far are one of my favorite things about a book. I can’t possibly count the number of times I’ve been induced to buy a book by the cover alone. My thoughts about covers are simple. I, personally, used to believe that a cover with real people was better than those with cartoonish figurines. However, as time has passed and technology grown, I’ve changed my mind about this debatable subject. Although I still very much prefer covers with real men and/or women in the front, there are times I will look to others that are different in order to find a good read. My preferences vary also. I enjoy covers with real people, beautiful backgrounds, or even with some art thrown in the mix, which show with pictures what the story is about. There’s nothing more alluring than a cover that entices you to open up the book and find out what it’s about.
Jill Kaelin:
I'm usually drawn towards the darker book covers, where less is more kind of thing. I like the mystery and intrigue it offers. A glossy finish with high contrast colors on the cover is a nice touch, also. Having people on the cover doesn't draw my attention as much as say a unique object or design, but I have bought books with people on them. I'm not too picky. I think there's a lot to be said about judging a book by its cover and I try not to do that, but I admit I often find myself choosing what catches my eye.
 Lisa Voisin:What’s in a cover?
I’m a huge fan of book covers. Going to the book store is like a trip to a mini art museum. I know the old idiom “never judge a book by its cover”, but covers are a big part of what makes shopping for books so fun.
As an author of YA fiction, I’m also a fan of those types of covers. I love the dramatic colors and exotic font scripts, the pretty dresses, the moody backgrounds. There are some amazing artists devoting themselves to cover art, and I must say I’m really impressed with what’s coming out these days.
I’m a big fan of seeing a person on the cover with a scenic background. In young adult fiction there are several trends in book covers that feature a person. Some authors prefer the cover art not show their face, so that readers can come up with their own ideas of what the characters look like. Apparently, this is quite a trend in YA book covers. I’m not adverse to this. The other trend is to show the character’s back. This also allows for mystery, and lets the reader put a face on the character. Another trend is the main character, presumably, wearing a pretty dress and a melancholy expression (called ‘The Mope’).
For a fun list of young adult book cover trends featuring a person on the cover, check this blog out: http://jillianaudrey.blogspot.ca/2012/05/trends-in-young-adult-book-covers.html
Of course, I’m a huge fan of the cover for The Watcher and think artist Najla Qamber did an amazing job of combining a few of these trends. Mia, the main character is showing her back, and yet she’s also looking at the camera, so it’s a mysterious pose. Since I’m also fond of wings, I love the use of the tattooed wings on the cover, as they pertain to the character and have a special significance in the story.
Cecilia Robert:
I love a good cover. And let's face it. If the book has a gorgeous/appealing cover, say while browsing on Amazon, I will click on the book immediately, to read the excerpt. If the excerpt doesn't entice me enough, I won't buy it. So, covers do play a big role on whether to click and view a book or not. But then, there are times when browsing the library shelves or bookstores, I stumble upon a book whose cover isn't very appealing, but the description sends shivers all over my body. I guess, if an author has taken the chance, and worked on a story for months to make it shine, then she/he should consider a good cover. After all, it's the eye that leads the way--most of the time.
Kacey Vanderkarr:
I’m the type of person who wants to say EVERYTHING! I can spend hours in a bookstore, looking at covers, reading the jackets. A cover can sell me on a book even before I know what the book is about. I love covers with people on them, especially if they’re doing interesting things, like underwater (The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin), flying (Tempest by Julie Cross), dying? Oh my gosh, what’s going on here?? (This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers). I’m especially particular to the covers for The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare. The Victorian and steampunk elements of Clockwork Angel and Clockwork Prince make me drool…not the mention the hot models. The novelty of single-object covers is lost on me. Between Twilight, 50 Shades of Grey, and the million spin-offs, I’ll pass on a cover like that any day. But just as easily, I can be sucked in by a simple, yet to the point cover like the cartoon zombie and unicorn which grace the front of Zombie vs. Unicorn. And tattoos. Tattoo your cover models, people, I’ll read your books.
Moral of the story? I LOVE books. And I might be guilty (SO GUILTY!) of judging them by their covers.
Now that our authors have weighed in on the debate, we'd love to hear from you! What interests you in a book cover?
Thankful, grateful, gratitude, and appreciation...All are words to describe how many of us feel at this time of year. Reflecting back on the year before us, we do have a lot to be thankful for. As the holiday season approaches, everyone at Inkspell is very thankful for the many blessings that our readers and ambassadors have given us. But we thought to ask our authors about the many things that they are thankful for during this time of year. We hope you will enjoy their responses as much as we do!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  T. Michelle Nelson:
I have many reasons to be thankful, but I am most thankful for my son. Somehow he has turned out to be the most thoughtful, intelligent and sweet young man a person could ever know. I am proud to be his mom every single day.
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Aubrie Dionne:
I have a lot to be thankful about this holiday season. I'm thankful for all of the wonderful people at Inkspell who believe in my book. I'm also thankful for my gorgeous cover, and all the fantastic reviews my book is receiving. I'm thankful Inkspell agreed to take on the next book in the series! On the writer front, I received my very first advance, which I am extremely thankful for, due to my awesome agent, who I'm also very grateful. She's taught me patience and wisdom. I have a huge, 3 day book signing coming up at a fancy craft fair in December, and I'm thankful for all the people that will be helping me out with that.
My whole family is meeting for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I'm thankful they are all happy and safe and pursuing their own life dreams. My sister is pregnant with baby #2, so I'm more than thankful for that as well. I already enjoy my nephew, and I can't wait to meet the new addition to the family!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Stephanie Keyes:
There is nothing original about what I'm thankful for. It’s probably what everyone chooses for his or her answer whenever this question inevitably comes up every year! But I don’t care if I’m being a conformist. When I look around me every day, the answer is clear. My Family. Though our numbers have dwindled and the festivities changed, I am blessed to have people I love around me. My husband, my sons, my family are the reason that I have the guts and courage to do anything at all. It is this group of people that told me to “go for it” when I submitted my first novel to the Inkspell family earlier this year. Then, the same crew celebrated with me in September after the novel’s publication. That is why I am so unbelievably blessed this Thanksgiving, good people who stand by you and love you for who you are. That’s what I’m most thankful for. I wish each one of you readers a warm and wonderful holiday!
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Jill Kaelin:Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful, to ponder over how wonderful our lives are and cherish the little things. I have tons of things I’m thankful for in my life, so I decided to make a list of the top five.
Chocolate-the natural stress reliever.
Books-without which I wouldn’t be able to escape into magical worlds and live so many imaginative lives.
Our pets-the dog, CoCo, and our three cats, Bella, Ginger, and Nutty. They make each day more enjoyable…and messy.
Friends/Family-the people who love me unconditionally.
My daughter, Justyce-the relationship we have is priceless. She is my heart.
I’m also very thankful for my new friends at Inkspell! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
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It may sound cliche to say I'm thankful for my family, but out of all the wonderful things I have in this life my family is the most important. We just had a new baby three weeks ago, and of course that tends to re-focus your thoughts. Without them to care for and without their support, it just seems like nothing else would matter much any way. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for my health, friends and chance to publish a book, but my family takes the front seat! They're the best!
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 Kristy Centeno:
First and foremost I would like to say that I'm eternally grateful to have four beautiful children that I absolutely adore and are the main reason for my happiness. Without them I wouldn't be the person I am. I'm also grateful to have such an understanding man by my side. A man that never sees the negative in things but instead, supports every decision I make even if he doesn't agree with me sometimes. I'm grateful that we're all healthy and happy in spite of difficult times.
And last, I'm grateful to have my loving mother by my side. Although we don't always see eye to eye, we're always able to set whatever differences we may have aside and enjoy our time together with no remorse.
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Brooke Moss:I'm thankful for the opportunity to raise five amazing, talented, darling, witty, silly, happy children. Without my family, I would be nothing. What a wonderful group of people to spend my holidays with.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Kacey Vanderkarr:
This year I'm thankful for all the traditional things, family, friends, etc. Additionally, I'm thankful for opportunity, perseverance, and the ability for continuing education. All things stem from this. 2012 has been an incredible year of growth and I'm excited and inspired by all the things to come!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Annabelle Blume:I'm thankful for the food in my fridge and the roof over my head. For the fact that my children are healthy and comfortable enough to express when they aren't happy. For my fury companions, even if they bark incessantly and irritate the neighbors. For the amazing adventures life has taken me on thus far. And for the future that lays before me, as unknown and scary as that can be.
I'm thankful for the moon and the stars and the fact that I can see them. And for the way the bright shining rays of the sun feel on my skin. For my friends who share laughter and tears with me. And for my family who stands quietly by my side through all things in life. Last, but not least, I'm thankful for my husband who's here to live it all with me every day.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  Debbie Peterson:
What am “I” thankful for? Well, first and foremost, my family. They are truly the best this world has to offer. But my list surely doesn’t end there, nor do I have enough room to name everything that fills my heart. However, to mention just a few... I am very grateful to have food to eat, clothes to wear and shelter overhead. I’m grateful for my country, and words do not express my gratitude for those who give their all to protect and watch over it.
And of course, I need to mention how very appreciative I am to those who thought enough of my books to want to publish them. For those who have actually read them, and taken the time to leave their sweet comments. You all make my day!
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At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from anotherperson. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
-- Albert Schweitzer
We at Inkspell would like to wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and send you love for all the ways you have inspired us!
Happy Halloween everyone! In honor of the holiday, we asked our Inkspell authors about their favorite candy! Can you just see them going out trick or treating and hording their favorites? Or do you think that they are all about buying something that they don't like so that they don't eat it all? What is your favorite and does it match our Inkspell authors? Rebecca Hart:My favorite Halloween candy has changed over the years, just like my taste in clothing and music have evolved. When I was small, I was addicted to Charleston Chews, couldn't get enough of them. That is, until the day I found my first Mounds bars.
Dark chocolate and coconut -- how can you go wrong there? That's right. You can't. Now that I don't trick or treat anymore, and the focus is on bringing my kids out, I just let them know "the rules" before we leave the house.
"I call dibs on all the Mounds bars."
Thankfully, they don't seem to mind. Deb Peterson:
I really don’t have a favorite. BUT if I had to make a choice right this minute, I’d ask for the caramel apples I used to get while trick-or-treating in my youth. I lived in a small town, covered with fruit orchards and since the apples were harvested in the fall, many of the farmers would offer homemade caramel apples to the witches, ghosts, and goblins knocking at their doors. Trust me...these candied apples were to die for!
Brooke Moss:
Actually, the candy bar that I can't live without is rare these days. It was my Grandpa's favorite, then became my favorite, and now I can only find them in specialty shops. It's called the Uno Bar, and it is light and fluffy and delicious! The sad thing is...whenever I find them, I buy as many of them as I can afford, and then I bring them home to horde them. My kids don't even get any. How mean is that?
Mark Jay Harris:
Peanut M&Ms with milk. I could live on them for days!
Annabelle Blume:It's very hard for me not to overindulge this time of year. While I love the pumpkin-y treats of fall, like pumkpin bread, pumpkin pies, and pumpkin lattes (okay, that's not true, I can't stand pumpkin lattes, but you catch my drift), it's the Halloween candy that truly breaks my will power.
Rich, satiny cubes of caramel, sticky sweet ropes of licorice, and decadent velvety squares of chocolate tempt my taste buds. I'm usually able to resist the forbidden fruit of the season. Yet, when you pair salty and thick peanut butter with the sweet creaminess of chocolate, I'm a quivering mess.
My absolute favorite candies are the peanut butter cups from the Unreal candy company (getunreal.com). They're just like their mainstream cousin candy, without any nasty preservatives, artificial ingredients, or GMOs. I can feel slightly less guilty when I eat them, and eat them I do! Sasha Summers:I have a SWEET TOOTH – so I can’t pick just one. When it comes to chocolate I LOVE Almond Joys and the newly discovered Dark Chocolate Raspberry M&M – like I needed another candy to crave. But if we’re talking candy candy – I love sour spaghetti and super tart cherry sours YUM!
Ironically I don’t get these things to hand out at Halloween because I would eat them all – and then I’d have to go dresses as a pumpkin. LOL! I tend to stick with the kid faves like Laffy Taffy, Tootsie Rolls, and Nerds… Perk – I don’t really like any of them so there’s plenty for trick-or-treaters!
Happy Halloween! :)
Stephanie Keyes:
Snickers of course, Kellen's favorite! It's because of all the chocolate "carmely" goodness. Yum!
Jill Kaelin:My sweet tooth is pretty large, so there’s not much candy I’ll turn my nose up at. Chewy, chocolaty, sour, sweet…I like them all. But naturally, I have a favorite that I find irresistible. Lindt Lindor white chocolate truffles. These are my weakness. There’s just something about that creamy white chocolate inside that makes me want to devour the whole bag. Unraveling that blue, twisty plastic and finding the perfect ball of chocolate inside, makes my mouth water as I’m writing this. I have my students to thank for this addiction. A few years ago, one of my little sweeties bought me a bag of these divine chocolates. I’ve been hooked ever since. But, in my defense, may I just add that chocolate raises antioxidant levels in our bodies, so technically it’s really healthy. Happy Halloween!
Inkspell Authors, editors and everyone would like to wish you a very Happy Halloween! We hope you get all the candy you wish for and enjoy the spirit of the season!
Because it takes a lot of work to make Mondays fun, we at Inkspell decided to start a blog feature we like to call Eyecandy Monday. Each Monday we will feature the characters from one Inkspell novel and share with you all the fine details and tasty tidbits we can dig up about these interesting and well written main characters. We want to revisit some of our favorite hotties from our favorite stories! As we revisit our eyecandy, we are sharing with you an excerpt to wet your appetite about the character and the story. After all, you can't get enough of book eyecandy!
| | | Charlotte Davenport:
Charlotte has always felt like an outsider in her family of successful and beautiful people. But a chance encounter with a carny one night at the local carnival will change her life forever. Can her family accept her new strength and love interest? Or will Charlotte stay the quite mouse daughter?
| Excerpt:
I cringed as a few other guests turned to look at me, and pretended to pick lint off the Davenport insignia on my blazer lapel. I was beginning to think that story would haunt me forever.
Poor Charlotte Davenport. Not nearly as pretty as her happily married older sisters. Forced to forgo her original career dreams in order to placate her parents by studying hotel management because she’s being groomed to take over for her father when he retires. Left at the altar during her wedding vows by her high school football coach fiancé, who’d fallen for one of his former students. Kicked out of their shared condo twelve hours after said debunked wedding by the new girlfriend whose name was “Kandi-with-an-I”. Forced to move home to assume her role as the twenty-seven-year-old spinster daughter of her wealthy parents.
It was pathetic that I lived at home again. And what was more pathetic? The fact that I’d not once stood up for myself. When my sisters clucked about how sad it was that I was still single as they adjusted their diamond wedding bands, I never told them to back off. When they fixed me up with coworkers of their husbands and with friends of friends of friends, I always politely obliged. I never once told them I wasn’t interested in being fixed up with their money-managing, suit-wearing, and briefcase-sporting candidates.
When I went to college with the intent to major in horticulture and floral design and my parents had scoffed, I’d quietly changed my major. It didn’t matter that the dream I’d had since I was ten years old was to own a greenhouse and flower shop. What mattered was that I was the daughter who didn’t have a husband or a family, which meant I was the one who’d inevitably take over the Astoria Resort.
When my fiancé, Lance, said “I don’t” at our wedding, then promptly bolted from the church, I didn’t chase him. I didn’t cry and scream and throw a fit. I simply picked up the hem of my ridiculously fluffy gown, apologized to the crowd staring at me in horror, and then slid out of the sanctuary.
And when I’d moved all of my things out of the condo with the intention of finding a small apartment in Astoria, I’d allowed my mother to convince me that my childhood bedroom was better suited for me. Instead of insisting I have my own space, all of my belongings went into storage and I moved into the pale pink bedroom I hadn’t lived in for over ten years.
“Don’t worry, dear.” Mrs. Koistinen’s tinny voice cut into my thoughts. “You’ll find someone. Look at you.”
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But Charlotte isn't the mouse everyone thinks she is. And a chance meeting ten years after the most memorable kiss will change her life forever. Check out The Carny today for all the sexy interactions between Vin and Charlotte!
 Do you love having a paperback book in your hands, the way the pages turn crisply? Do you love the smell of a new book, the smell of the ink? Do you enjoy collecting signed books by your favorite authors? Inkspell is offering signed copies of The Carny for anyone who purchases a print copy of the book today on our store site. The Carny is a story that will make you fall in deeply love with Vin and Charlotte from that first kiss through all the trials that their families put them through. Due to the nature of the promotion, there will be a delay in the shipping.
Here is what people are saying about The Carny:"This is a lovely romance had such a wonderful hero that I just couldn't get enough of and if you are interested in a sweet funny romance...you have come to the right place...."The Carny" I would recommend to you." Arlena Dean- Goodreads."One of the strongest talents Moss brings to the table as a writer is her ability to pepper her stories with a humor that's very organic and utterly endearing. While many readers of the romance genre might wince at the first-person narrative it serves this particular story so well I can't imagine it written any other way." Rhianna- Goodreads.
Stop by to purchase your special signed book today! This is a limited time purchase so be sure to get your copy today! You know you want one! And at only $15.99, it's sure to be a collector's item!
http://www.inkspellpublishing.com/store.html
If you want to follow along with the twitter party and share the love, make sure you follow Brooke Moss on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BrookeMoss4. Don't forget to watch for and use the #thecarny hashtag! It's sure to be a rocking party!
Brooke Moss is an award winning author of books that touch the heart of the reader. The Carny is a story that shows that love is possible even against great odds. Today she's dropped by to share her thoughts on her writing, her life and her books.  Welcome Brooke! When did you first start writing? What made you want to be a writer?
I knew that I wanted to be a writer when I was a little kid. Probably 6-7 years old. I used to cut pictures of people out of my mother’s Sears and JCPenny’s catologues, and then line them up on paper. I would create a bio for each person in the “family” (fave color, age, interests, etc.), then make up stories about the family. This was the beginning of what would turn into an obsession with making up stories about people…
What inspired you to write The Carny?
I had a dream about a handsome Carny, which—in and of itself—is a contradiction. Carny’s are usually creepers. But then once I started writing the story, the characters begged to be an interracial couple, and for me to tackle the subject of interracial love in small town America. I love following my character’s whims!
Are you a pantser or a plotter?
I am a LOOSE plotter. I start the story, then go back and plot out the remaining chapters once I am about halfway through. I only do it so that I won’t wind up with a 200K word saga. :)
Do you have any writing rituals or special processes you complete before sitting down to write?
I need music, hot cocoa to sip on (or diet wild cherry pepsi), and I have to turn my Internet off. If it’s not off…I’ll be distracted. I’m like an animal that way. Distracted by the shiny Internet.
What authors inspire you?
I am always inspired by Kristan Higgins, Jane Porter, and Liza Palmer. But most recently, I’ve been amazed by the work of Scott Westerfield and Lauren Oliver. Freaking brilliant!
If you could only write in one genre for the rest of your career, what genre would you choose? Why?
I could never choose. Never ever. Though I do have to say that my comfort zone (meaning the genre where writing comes the most easily) is in the contemporary romance genre.
Which of the characters in your current release is your favorite? Why?
I love Vincent. He is so charming and amazingly patient. But under the surface, he has a lot of pain, and angst. I liked bringing his not-so-lovely qualities to the surface, and breaking through his“happy-candy-shell”.
Are any of your characters modeled after real people? If so, which ones?
The character of Charlotte was absolutely modeled after actress Ginnifer Goodwin. She has played a multitude of characters who really needed more confidence and were desperate for an ego boost. Which, is basically Charlotte in a nutshell!
What music was on your playlist while writing your novel?
Want to know the weirdest thing ever?? I was obsessed with Cher music while I was writing The Carny. I have no idea why…I just was. I even included her in my acknowledgments. It was the darndest thing…
Morning person or grumpy bear?
Grumpy bear. My nickname growing up was actually “Bear”, and that is exactly why. Because I was grumpy as a bear.
Tell us one thing it would surprise us to know about you?
I was once asked to be a guest on the Maury Povitch show. I didn’t do it. I was afraid I’d never be able to face my friends and family again.
What is next for you?
I have a romantic women’s fiction coming out in August, entitled Keeping Secrets in Seattle. It is best described as “Bridget Jone’s Diary”meets “My Best Friend’s Wedding”…with a dark twist.
Do you have any unique skills or talents? If so, what?
I was a florist for a number of years before pursuing writing. I specialized in wedding work. :)
If I were to look in your closet right now, would I find frills and lace or demin and tees?
None of the above. I have a lot of what many consider to be an author’s uniform. Pajama pants and sweatshirts. My poor husband…it’s good he loves me despite my fashion sense.
Thank you Brooke for stopping by and sharing with us! If you haven't bought or read The Carny yet, you can buy it today at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, as well as the Inskpell Store! Don't forget to get the companion short story "Charlotte's Wedding" which shares with you some sizzling action in Charlotte's life before she found Vin again!
 At a town fair on the coast of Oregon, handsome Native American carny, Vincent Youngblood, bestows an unforgettable kiss on shy, awkward teenager, Charlotte Davenport. Then disappears without another word, leaving her baffled and enamored.
Ten years later, Charlotte is still living in the small fishing town of Astoria, while being trained to--reluctantly--take over for her philandering hotelier father when he retires. After all, who else will do it? Her two perfect sisters are busy being married to their flawless husbands and having cookie cutter children, while Charlotte remains single, childless, and every bit as mousy as she was a decade ago.
As Charlotte struggles to climb out from underneath her judgmental parents thumb, the carnival rolls back into town, and Charlotte finds herself face to face with Vin again. He's back to run his father's carnival, walking away from a promising career in medicine he started in Chicago. Will her biased and judgmental family accept her relationship with a man who is not only a Native American, but works as a carny for a living? And what unsavory secrets bind the well-educated and seemingly superlative Vin to that ramshackle carnival? After all, you can’t judge a carny by its cover.
The wait is over! Indulge in some delicious romance as the love of Charolette and Vincent unravel today. From the sizzling first kiss, Vin and Charlotte have captured the hearts of the reviewers. Now it's your turn to get to know them!
The book is extremely sweet just like our author Brooke Moss. When asked about her journey writing this book, Brooke said this, "I hope that The Carny is a fun, romantic, funny summer read...that will also make you think. When I set out to write it, I wanted to do give my readers a fun, romantic love story, but I wanted to punctuate it with a hot topic. The characters in The Carny are very close to my heart, and I feel like they're my good friends. I've been told that they stay with readers for hours, even days, after the book ends...and I really hope that's how each of InkSpell's fans feel, too. Thanks for sharing this love story with the world, InkSpell...what an exciting book birthday this is!"
Congrats Brooke! We know that everyone will fall in love with your characters!
Have you gotten your copy yet? Without further ado, we're offering 30% off the price of the book on our website only until July 14th!  Print Book Price: $11.19
E-book Price: $3.50
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Brooke Moss
Size: Mega Novel
Format: eBook and Paperback
ISBN: Print: 978-0-9851483-1-7
Ebook: 978-0-9851483-2-4
Two people from opposite worlds, one unforgettable kiss.
You can't judge a carny by its cover.
At a town fair on the coast of Oregon, handsome Native American carny, Vincent Youngblood, bestows an unforgettable kiss on shy, awkward teenager, Charlotte Davenport. Then disappears without another word, leaving her baffled and enamored.
Ten years later, Charlotte is still living in the small fishing town of Astoria, while being trained to--reluctantly--take over for her philandering hotelier father when he retires. After all, who else will do it? Her two perfect sisters are busy being married to their flawless husbands and having cookie cutter children, while Charlotte remains single, childless, and every bit as mousy as she was a decade ago.
As Charlotte struggles to climb out from underneath her judgmental parents thumb, the carnival rolls back into town, and Charlotte finds herself face to face with Vin again. He's back to run his father's carnival, walking away from a promising career in medicine he started in Chicago. Will her biased and judgmental family accept her relationship with a man who is not only a Native American, but works as a carny for a living? And what unsavory secrets bind the well-educated and seemingly superlative Vin to that ramshackle carnival? After all, you can’t judge a carny by its cover.
Independence Day or July fourth is a big deal in America. We enjoy celebrating our independence from England and the Declaration of Independence with parades, cook-outs, and fireworks. We asked a few of our Inkspell authors about their holiday plans. We hope you enjoy hearing about their events and have a wonderful holiday too!
 Brooke Moss:
"This year my family is spending Independence Day with my oldest brother and his family. He was a 20 year marine, and now works in national security, so our American pride really comes out when we're together. He survived 3 tours in Iraq, and has devoted his life to protecting the freedoms that so many of us take for granted."
 Rebecca Hart:
This July 4th, the family is heading to "Tortuga", our seasonal, pirate themed campsite in Upstate, NY for a few days of nature, sunshine, BBQs and campfires. No fireworks or big parties, but there is always something for the kids to do or someone for them to hang out with, and you can't beat the fresh air.
I can't wait to sink into five days of outdoor bliss. I might even manage to do a little writing. *fingers crossed*
 Stephanie Lawton:
All our family is a thousand miles away, so we don't have any plans for Fourth of July. The weather is insanely hot this time of year in the Deep South--we'll probably just grill hot dogs and eat them in the comfort of our air conditioning!
 Annabelle Blume:
I'll be enjoying some family time pool-side! My cousin, Kym, and her family have the most amazing backyard. It truly looks like a resort, complete with waterfall flowing into the pool, fire pit and cabana bed. It's going to be a full day of catching up and relaxing.
It sounds like our authors have some wonderful plans for the holiday. How will you celebrate Independence Day?
Charlotte could never forget the first kiss from her Carny but she had a lot going on before she met him again in Astoria.
Charlotte's wedding bares it all.
A special exclusive offer for fans of Brooke Moss's The Carny and Inkspell Publishing.
This prequel story is available for free for a limited time (only through July 10th)!.
So, grab this sweet, short story now!!!
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